Hailstorms hit Sydney

Hailstones have hit Sydney as severe thunderstorms sweep
across the region.

A weather warning was issued by the Bureau of Meteorology,
with forecasters warning of strong winds and heavy rainfall
that could lead to flash flooding.

Storms hit western Sydney at 1.40pm (AEDT) today, moving into
the city centre soon after.

They then headed east to Bondi Beach, where Prince Charles
had arrived to watch an indigenous NRL exhibition.

Sydneysiders were quick to take to Twitter to post pictures
of the hail, with one user describing the hailstones as being
the size of chickpeas.

Michael Logan of the Bureau of Meteorology said severe
thunderstorm warnings would remain in place for the northern
suburbs of Sydney, as well as the Hunter Valley and the north
coast of the state, for several hours.

Areas that could be affected include Newcastle, Gosford,
Cessnock, Maitland, Sydney, Liverpool, Penrith and
Parramatta.

Lightning struck signalling equipment at Milson's Point, in
the city's north, leading to delays on trains heading into
the city from the northern shore.